EIFS Grade Termination Specification

EIFS Grade Termination Specification

An overview of the EIFS Grade Termination Specification

In this post we will be taking a look at the EIFS Grade Termination Specification. Before we get into the grade termination spec it is understood that the substrate already has be treated with an EIFS approved moisture barrier (see the post . for more details on applying the moisture barrier). A standard procedure for EIFS termination when it comes to the grade is to leave 8″ from the grade to the EIFS. I have found over the years many customers do not want to do this as the aesthetics of the building or house is going to be compromised. The main thing ot aesthetics it is functionality. With that being said have come up with a few simple solutions over the years. Depending on the substrate a direct apply can be used at the bottom 8″ (of course not under warrant), but aesthetically pleasing. I have also used metal flashing to cover this area in the past which is not a bad plan but again not as appealing as EIFS. In certain situations I have had my material rep come out and take a look at a job and see if there is any way we can still fall under the warrant with coming down a few more inches, and in many cases there are ways you can do this, but it is per situation and circumstances.

The actual application of the grade termination is very similar to a window header. A weep track with a drip edge is installed . When the track is fastened to the substrate it is important to use a bead of adhesive at the top and bottom of the track. The top of the track will seal tight and not have any places where it is bowing away from the wall. This will be important when you seal the track to the substrate. The bead of adhesive at the bottom of the track forms a good seal so no water or bugs can penetrate between the track and substrate. The track is then screwed to the substrate with an out door non corrosive screw. The track needs to be sealed to the moisture barrier on the substrate now. The system is set up to have any moisture that may become trapped behind the foam to run down into the track and out the weep holes. There are a couple ways to seal the track. One way to seal the track is to apply flashing tape over the track and onto the substrate. This method works well, but has one major draw back, and that is that the foam has to be placed over the flashing tape the same day it is put on. Another method of sealing the track is to apply a liquid moisture barrier over the area. Dryvit’s Aqua Flash is applied onto the track and up the substrate about 3″. The draws back of using the liquid moisture barrier is that it is more labor intense, and more expensive.